So today was a good hair day. I wish everyday could be a good hair day. It gives you that extra bit of confidence… that nice little “Wow, my hair looks really great” feeling whenever you go to the restroom and check out your reflection while washing your hands. Good hair days rock.

Myself and the Woodings family went to see Fellowship of the Ring. I loved the movie even though I was a bit upset that they changed so much of the book. Tolkein’s words are beautiful. I don’t know why they had to go making up their own dialogue. Also, they changed things they didn’t need to. Like when they are ascending Caradhas (sp?) and Gandalf says they will let the ring-bearer decide whether to go over the mountain or go under it through Moria. Why would they change that? It would take just as much film time to stick with the original, which was Gandalf made the decisions. He was the leader. That was the change that irked me the most. A lot of the changes were made because they went from book to movie format. This was just a change for changes sake. And it was a significant change. Grrr….

The other part that irked me was they completely changed how the fellowship broke up in the end. Well, not completely, but by quite a bit. Why do they feel the need to change from the original? I just don’t understand it.

The last thing I didn’t like was Hugo Weaving’s portrayal as Elrond. I thought he would make a great Elrond but I was sorely disappointed. He was a disapproving daddy Elrond and I didn’t like it.

Anyways, all the negatives things being said, I did really like the movie. Everything through Moria was brilliant, especially the final battle with the Balrog. I loved Boromir’s final battle. The shire and Bilbo’s birthday party were exquisite and spot on. 75% of the movie was great and 25% will make you a bit irked if you’ve read the books.

It’s strange having an in-law family. I went with all the Woodingses to the movie– Mom, Dad and the three sons. I’m the first married-in wife. This family has been with each other all their lives, and I just showed up in the last year. I feel like a third wheel– very uncomfortable. I also feel like I’m the witch that came between them and their beloved brother/son. Being married definitely has bits that are uncomfortable and have to be worked through. I can only imagine that this is common- trying to fit into a new family when you’re just married. I’m afraid I don’t like it, but I’m also afraid that it’s necessary to a marriage and for my husband’s happiness. Hopefully with time I will feel like less of an outsider and interloper in the Woodings home.

Nitey nite from England.